Rights of victims of human trafficking

A victim of trafficking in human beings cooperating with law enforcement agencies, who severed contacts with the perpetrators, may work in Poland without a work permit.

A person using the “reflection time” and staying in Poland on the basis of an appropriate certificate issued by law enforcement agencies is not entitled to the right to work. The right to work is granted to a victim of trafficking in human beings who has cooperated with law enforcement agencies. Victims of human trafficking may also apply for social aid benefits. Support under the social assistance system is available to: foreigners identified in Poland as victims of trafficking in human beings who are staying on the territory of Poland on the basis of a certificate confirming the presumption that they are victims of trafficking in human beings or a temporary residence permit for victims of human trafficking.

A victim of trafficking in human beings also has the right to apply for compensation (redress and compensation). The compensation process is pending in a district court and begins at the request of the injured party or another entitled person (in some cases also the prosecutor). The application for compensation does not depend on the conviction of the perpetrator of the crime.